Google Street View in Fujairah will boost tourism and business

Municipality boss sees nothing but benefits at the east coast emirate becomes the fifth in the UAE to have the feature.

The Google Maps Street View vehicle has been doing the rounds in Fujairah, recording the emirate's streets so anyone across the globe can click and see what the area looks like. Jaime Puebla / The NationalShow less

FUJAIRAH // Google Street View arriving in Fujairah will boost tourism and the economy, said the emirate’s municipality chief.

Fujairah last month became the fifth UAE emirate to have the Google Maps feature available, giving internet users the chance to see 360 degree views of landmarks such as the Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Fujairah Fort.

The director general of Fujairah Municipality, Mohammed Al Afkham, said that the feature will offer people a new way of experiencing sightseeing and doing business in the emirate.

“Google Street View will be an added channel to improve the user experience and facilities in sectors like rentals, real estate, construction, travel and tourism and other investment opportunities,” he said.

Fujairah residents and travel agents said Street View will also help promote the emirate to the world.

“Not everyone knows about Fujairah and its unique places and attractions. We have beautiful coastlines and many historical places that even the local residents don’t know about,” said Kamal Ahmad, a 28-year-old Egyptian travel agent.

“It’s a good feature and will help visitors and new residents in discovering more about Fujairah and finding what they are looking for.”

Street View was launched in America in May 2007 and it now covers 75 countries and has more than one billion active users each month.

On August 14, Fujairah followed Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman in adding the feature to Googe Maps.

“We are overwhelmed by users’ warm response to Street View in the Middle East, The UAE has a lot to offer and we cannot wait to showcase its culture and heritage to the world,” said Joyce Baz, head of communications at Google Mena.

“Google Street View imagery provides users with a rich, immersive browsing experience and allows users to explore world landmarks, view natural wonders, navigate a trip or promote a business.

“For example, it can help tourists make better informed hotel bookings, or give a new restaurant a chance to showcase its location, which can help it connect with potential customers.”

A Fujairah resident said he hadn’t tried the feature yet but thought that it would be helpful for people considering moving to the area.

“People who might move to live in Fujairah will definitely benefit from it, it will help them in reaching and finding many businesses and attractions,” said Ali Al Kindi, 32.